Designs By Bowman

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

This is the newest creation in my world of hand planes. This hand plane is made out of bamboo. I wanted to try bamboo b/c I am intrigued by the aesthetics of its interesting grain configuration. I took 12 squares of bamboo plywood (each one roughly 3 1/2"x3 1/2") and glued them together to make my blank. I rotated every other piece so the grains would be facing the opposite direction to make a checker board pattern. After I shaped the hand plane I soaked it in red wine for 24 hours to give it a darker sort of burgundy tint and I was very pleased with the outcome. I used UV curing polyester resin to seal it. Then polished it up, put on an adjustable velcro strap with neoprene on it and thats it. Its ready to go. Its heavier than any other hand plane I have made but I think the weight and the pin tail will only help in more powerful hollow surf. Just waiting for the right day to use it and hopefully I will have a good review and photos to post later.